Home Cleaning Franchise Cost
The demand for residential cleaning services in the United States has never been higher. With more households relying on dual incomes, increased remote work, and rising expectations for hygienic living spaces, professional cleaning has become a recurring need for millions of American families. In fact, the U.S. home cleaning market is projected to exceed $19.9 billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 6.2%.
If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur looking for a low-overhead, scalable, and recession-resilient business model, starting a home cleaning franchise could be your ideal move. But how much does it actually cost?
In this detailed 3,000-word guide, we’ll break down:
- The rise of the home cleaning industry
- Advantages of buying a cleaning franchise
- Cost components you should budget for
- Top home cleaning franchises in 2025 and their fees
- Franchise profitability benchmarks
- Common requirements for approval
- Funding & financing options
- Risks and market trends
- Cost comparison table
- Final insights for investors
1. Why the Home Cleaning Industry Is Booming
- Market Value: Expected to surpass $19.9 billion in 2025
- Customers: Over 10 million households use recurring cleaning services
- Key Drivers:
- Busier schedules and dual-income households
- More remote work = desire for clean, productive homes
- Post-pandemic hygiene awareness
- Aging population preferring outsourced help
2. Why Choose a Home Cleaning Franchise?
✅ Proven Systems
Franchises come with built-in marketing, branding, training, and scheduling software.
✅ Recurring Revenue
Most customers sign up for weekly, biweekly, or monthly cleanings.
✅ Low Startup Costs
No inventory. No retail space. Minimal equipment needed.
✅ Scalable Teams
Start small and expand with more cleaners or vans as your customer base grows.
3. Typical Home Cleaning Franchise Costs (2025)
| Cost Category | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $20,000 – $45,000 |
| Territory Rights | Included or extra |
| Equipment & Supplies | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Vehicle/Branding | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Software & Technology | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Training & Onboarding | $2,000 – $7,000 |
| Insurance & Licensing | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Working Capital | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Total Estimate | $60,000 – $150,000 |
Note: Some franchisors offer discounts for veterans or multi-unit buyers.
4. Top Home Cleaning Franchises in 2025
1. Molly Maid (part of Neighborly)
- Startup Cost: $110,000 – $155,000
- Franchise Fee: $14,900
- Royalty: 6.5% + 2% marketing
- Model: Recurring residential cleaning, online booking
2. The Maids
- Startup Cost: $60,000 – $150,000
- Franchise Fee: $12,500 – $50,000 (varies by territory)
- Royalty: 6.9% + 2% national marketing
- Differentiator: 22-Step Cleaning System & team cleaning model
3. Merry Maids (part of ServiceMaster Brands)
- Startup Cost: $90,000 – $125,000
- Franchise Fee: $37,500
- Royalty: 5% + 1.5% marketing
- Focus: Recurring cleaning with national brand recognition
4. Home Clean Heroes
- Startup Cost: $87,000 – $130,000
- Franchise Fee: $35,000
- Royalty: 6% + 2% marketing
- USP: Tech-forward, community-oriented, and modern branding
5. Profitability Benchmarks
| Franchise | Avg Revenue/Unit | Avg Net Profit Margin | Break-Even Period |
| Molly Maid | $500K – $800K | 15–25% | 18–30 months |
| The Maids | $450K – $700K | 15–22% | 18–30 months |
| Merry Maids | $400K – $600K | 12–18% | 24–36 months |
| Home Clean Heroes | $350K – $600K | 18–28% | 18–24 months |
6. Common Requirements for Approval
- Net Worth: $100K – $250K
- Liquid Capital: $50K – $100K
- Experience: Business or leadership preferred, but not required
- Owner Role: Typically owner-operator, though semi-absentee is possible
7. How to Finance Your Franchise
- SBA Loans: Popular for lower-ticket franchises under $150K
- Franchisor Financing: Some brands offer internal payment plans
- 401(k) Rollovers (ROBS): Use retirement funds without penalties
- Friends/Family or Investor Partners: For liquidity or equipment costs
8. Risk Factors & Market Trends
Risks:
- Labor turnover (especially for entry-level staff)
- Local market saturation
- Recession impact on discretionary spending
Positive Trends:
- Increasing customer preference for eco-friendly cleaning
- Subscription/recurring models gaining popularity
- Growing senior market (aging in place)
9. Cost Comparison Table
| Franchise | Startup Cost | Franchise Fee | Avg Revenue | Break-Even |
| Molly Maid | $110K – $155K | $14,900 | $700K | 18–30 months |
| The Maids | $60K – $150K | $12.5K–$50K | $600K | 18–30 months |
| Merry Maids | $90K – $125K | $37,500 | $500K | 24–36 months |
| Home Clean Heroes | $87K – $130K | $35,000 | $550K | 18–24 months |
10. Final Thoughts
Investing in a home cleaning franchise is one of the most affordable and sustainable ways to enter the franchise world in 2025. With low startup costs, predictable recurring revenue, and growing demand across urban and suburban areas, this business model is perfect for first-time entrepreneurs and experienced operators alike.
Before signing, be sure to:
- Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
- Interview current franchisees
- Assess your territory’s demand
- Compare royalty structures and support levels
Ready to launch? A clean business model might just be your ticket to scalable, steady income—and a chance to serve your community with pride.
